PYX Resources Ltd: When ESG meets Mining

PYX Resources Ltd is a global leader in zircon mining, a valuable mineral widely used in ceramics, refractory materials, and various industrial applications. The company’s production strategy focuses on extracting high-grade zircon with minimal impurities, making it a preferred supplier in the global zircon market. It has benefited from its strategic location near key markets such as China and India, both of which are major consumers of zircon. This article provides a snapshot of the company’s mining operations and its outstanding ESG performance awarded Gold ESG excellence by the Zircon Industry Association. 

Mine Characteristics

PYX’s key tenements Mandiri and Tisma, are located in the alluvium-rich region of Central Kalimantan, Indonesia, boasting the world’s 3rd largest producing mineral sands deposit by zircon resources (263 Mt of JORC compliant resources and 10.5 Mt of contained zircon, with the highest zircon grade globally). Mandiri and Tisma’s alluvium bed deposits allow for low complexity, open pit mining, a method that can deliver higher cash margins while minimising environmental impact.

Already in its 5th year of operation, Mandiri has produced, processed and sold over 15,000 t of premium zircon and is set to significantly scale up production to meet the fast-growing global demand for premium zircon. PYX expects to reach a production capacity of 48kt of premium zircon per annum within 5 years. 

ESG Performance

PYX has demonstrated a strong commitment to ESG standards, with several noteworthy accomplishments across these areas.

In terms of environmental performance, PYX outperforms its peers among Zircon Industry Association (ZIA) members in energy intensity, greenhouse gas (GHG) intensity, water intensity, and waste intensity in a remarkable way with all the intensity metrics less than 8% of the levels recorded by its peers, showcasing PYX’s superior operational efficiency and lower environmental impact; On the social front, PYX has established itself as a leader in workforce diversity, with 22% of its total employees being female, a significant achievement compared to the industry average of 15%; In terms of governance, PYX has set a high standard for gender diversity on its board, with women comprising 50% of the board members, another significant achievement when compared to the industry average of 16%.

With all those excellent performances, PYX has been awarded the Gold ESG Excellence Award from the Zircon Industry Association (ZIA), highlighting its commitment to ESG principles through its “PYX Cares” program, a comprehensive sustainability initiative inspired by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. 

Watch the video to learn more about the company! 

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